Driving licence

A driving licence issued in another state authorises the holder, when in the Slovak Republic, to drive motor vehicles of the categories indicated in it, provided that the driving licence meets the conditions given in the International Convention on Road Traffic (Article 2, Article 41, and Appendix 6 of the Convention on Road Traffic, Vienna 1968). If a driving licence issued in another state does not meet these requirements, the foreign national may only drive a motor vehicle if he/ she is the holder of a valid international driving licence. The age limit for driving in Slovakia is 18 years.

 

Import – general information

Since May 1, 2004 the SR has become a part of the common market without internal tax and customs borders among EU Member states. Free movement of persons, goods, services and capital is ensured. However, taxation of imported goods is applied towards non-EU states. Import of goods that are not subject to consumption tax or VAT are permitted without restrictions. Import of meat, meat products, milk and dairy products are forbidden unless provided with veterinary documentation.

 

Import of cars

From a customs standpoint, there are no restrictions on personal property. When crossing the border upon entry, the owner of a vehicle must submit the requisite vehicle documents, i.e., registration document, driving licence, vehicle insurance certificate. 

 

If a foreign national has a permanent residence on the territory of the Slovak Republic and owns a motor vehicle registered abroad, he/she is obliged to register it with the competent authority for

his/her place of residence within 30 days.

 

If a foreign national, during residence on the territory of the Slovak Republic, buys a motor vehicle,

he/she is obliged to register it with the competent authority for his/her place of residence. Before permanently leaving the territory of the Slovak Republic, a foreign national is obliged to report to the competent authority for his/her place of residence any motor vehicle purchased and registered while in residence on the territory of the Slovak Republic.

 

Further information available at: http://www.minv.sk/krpzba/ in Slovak.

 

Import of pets

As of 1 October 2004 new EU regulations were introduced concerning travelling with pets (maximum five) inside the EU as well as for importing pets into the EU.

To travel with dogs, cats and ferrets to Slovakia, you have to meet the following requirements:

• pets must be identified by a chip (ISO standard 11784 or 11785) or a legible tattoo. Following a transitional period of eight years (2011) chips will be the only valid identification.
• pets must have a Pet Pass issued by an authorised veterinary surgeon in case of transport between EU member states or a EU import veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement issued by an official veterinarian of the third country concerned.
• Pet Passport and veterinary certificate for non-commercial movement should confirm the necessary vaccination against rabies. Tick treatment and Echinococcus treatment are not required for entry into the SR unless other countries of transit require them.
• In case of pets imported from third countries not listed in Annex 2 of Regulation 998/2003/EC, then a rabies serological (antibody search) test is required. The serological test must be carried out at least 30 days after vaccination and no later than three months before movement.
• For countries listed in the above mentioned Annex the rabies serological test is not needed unless Malta, Ireland, Great Britain or Sweden are included as transit countries.
• Pets under 3 months are allowed to be transported without a rabies vaccination test.

In the case of import of more than 5 pets, requirements for commercial activity apply in accordance with Regulation 92/65/EEA.

No special certificates are required for other pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs or parrots.

 

Import of financial resources

See the Currency section

 

Medicaments

Import and export of medical drugs for individual needs of the traveller are permitted, on condition the  medicaments are imported and exported in a reasonable amount corresponding to the duration of stay.

 

Firearms

If a foreign national wishes to carry a firearm on the territory of the Slovak Republic (be it during a period of residence, for import into or export out of the Slovak Republic on a permanent basis, or for transit across the Slovak territory), he/she must apply to the appropriate representative office of the Slovak Republic or the police for a „firearms licence“, the validity of which is limited to the time needed to transport the weapon, and to a maximum period of two months. If the firearm is not used, it must be returned within seven days to the competent issuing authority.

Firearms licences are not required of hunters from Member States of the European Union for guns for hunting or sport or ammunition for such weapons, provided that they are holders of a „European firearms passport“, with the weapon in question entered in it and that the destination country (SR) has given permit for the importation of such a gun (consult at the appropriate representative office of the Slovak Republic). A European firearms passport is issued for a period of 5 years.

Foreigners can obtain further details from the appropriate representative office of the Slovak Republic or the police.